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A Vision of Vishnu (Vaikuntha Darshana)

Attributed to Murad and Lupha

Asian Art

We know from court records that a ruler of the northwestern kingdom of Bikaner had a vivid dream in which he saw Vishnu and Lakshmi enthroned in a garden pavilion. Interpreting the vision as a good omen or blessing, the king ordered a painter to make an illustration based on his description. The subject remained a favorite for local artists and patrons for several generations. Like most versions, this painting presents Lakshmi as much smaller than Vishnu, and even smaller than their female servants.
MEDIUM Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper
DATES c 1710–15
DIMENSIONS sheet: 7 11/16 x 5 3/8 in. (19.5 x 13.7 cm) image: 7 7/16 x 5 5/16 in. (18.9 x 13.5 cm)  (show scale)
COLLECTIONS Asian Art
ACCESSION NUMBER 1990.134
CREDIT LINE Designated Purchase Fund
MUSEUM LOCATION This item is not on view
CAPTION Attributed to Murad and Lupha (active late 17th–early 18th century). A Vision of Vishnu (Vaikuntha Darshana), c 1710–15. Opaque watercolor, gold, and silver on paper, sheet: 7 11/16 x 5 3/8 in. (19.5 x 13.7 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Designated Purchase Fund, 1990.134 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 1990.134_IMLS_SL2.jpg)
IMAGE overall, 1990.134_IMLS_SL2.jpg. Brooklyn Museum photograph
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